It cost $2.35m, or $3.4m including the approach roads,[2] and was opened at the start of a weekend of Centennial celebrations,[3] on 11 February 1978, by representatives of Māori, Government and City,[4] Dame Te Atairangikaahu, Venn Young and Ross Jansen.

Sliding hinge joints in the landward spans give earthquake protection.

Hydraulic shock transmission at the expansion joints will keep the sections of the bridge together in an earthquake.

[4] The bridge carries about 200 cyclists a day and a clip-on cycle lane has been considered,[16] with $1m budgeted for 2028.

[18] 'Whitiora' was selected from a public suggestion, derived from 'Whiti', the call of the pipiwharauroa, and 'ora', meaning life, or health.